A Vampire's Kiss Is Forever...
Once featured in a horror movie, the crumbling wolfram estate is said to be haunted by ghosts witches, and worse. But Elena doesn't believe a word of it - until she spends the night and wakes up in the arms of compelling stranger...
Tall, dark and disturbingly handsome, Drake is the most beautiful man Elena has ever seen. For centuries he has lived alone, and Elena is the first woman to enter his lair - and survive. And Drake is the first man to touch her heart and soul. By the time she discovers who he really is - and what he craves - it's too late. Blood lust has turned to love, and Elena is deeply under Drake's spell. But forever comes at a price for each of them...

Summary

Elena is in a desperate situation, so in a moment of survival and to maintain her own respect and from being defiled by her uncle who wants to marry her. So she leaves the only home she has ever known, and wanders into the Wolfgram estate. There are many rumors about the dangers that lay within the old castle, but Elena doesn’t believe in the paranormal realm such as ghost and goblins. She is found by the owner of the estate, Drake. Drake, is a vampire and has lived for centuries. He has been on his own and away from his sire and his many rules and commands, so that he can have freedom. But he knows that eventually he will have to return. When he discovers a stranger sleeping in his castle, he is curious about her. When he learns the truth about Elena, he proposes marriage in return she will have the safety and security of his name and they will only be married in name only, unless she asks him for more. Elena and Drake begin their marriage as stranger and turn into lovers of the night. But when Drake’s father intervenes, soon Elena and Drake will be in the fight for their lives so they can find a way to be together for good.

The Hero

Drake, is the oldest son of one of the most powerful vampire lords in the world. He has lived for over a thousand years, and as such Drake has inherited many of his unique gifts. But Drake, unlike most of his kind, rebelled against the fortress and the laws of his sire. There were many aspects of that life that he disagreed with and could live by and so he left his home and family, to live on his own and far away. But then Drake meets the one woman that he builds a bond with, that even Drake doesn’t fully understand. All he does know is that he will do whatever it takes to protect her and make sure she lives a long and fulfilled life. Drake is quite a delicious hero, he is very Alpha, takes command and is powerful. Drake is also compassionate and understanding. I loved his character because he stands for what is right not what is easy and that is a character trait I admire greatly.

The Heroine

Elena is a heroine that I grew to admire over the whole length of the book. She could be a little naive at times, but she was sheltered away in a village in eastern Europe, so she has been kept away from civilization. But Elena has a strong and kind heart. Elena lost her parents when she was young, and was raised by her uncle. Her uncle raped her cousin, but then her cousin ran away (or that is what she was told) and her Uncle’s gaze went to Elena. When Elena learns that he plans on marrying her, she knows that she needs to get away as soon as possible. What I grew to like most about this story, was seeing her character grow throughout the whole book. We see her be innocent and naive in the beginning, and she blossoms into a woman of strength and fortitude and stands her ground for the man she loves.

Plot and Story Line

Bound By Night is a sensational romance that takes us to the Carpathian Mountains. This is an emotionally enriched story that will captivate any reader’s heart. Bound By Night deals with quite a bit of conflict in the story. At first, we have Drake and Elena who come to an agreement of marriage, which is in name only. But they slowly get to know each other and become comfortable with one another, and the desire between them slowly builds. And right when their relationship is starting to really develop romantically, then all hell breaks loose for them and they are tested in the worst ways. Drake’s father is demanding Drake return, and Drake has little choice. But he brings Elena along hoping that he will be able to find a way to convince his father that he is already married and won’t be available to marry another. But his father has other plans and Drake and Elena’s love are sorely tested.

This is a story that I was completely captivated by from the beginning. I couldn’t get enough of this book, which I don’t know why I am shocked by it, since I adore Amanda Ashley. But in Bound By Night we see how much these two are truly devoted to each other. I didn’t care much for Drake’s parents. They treat Elena horribly, but I loved Elena’s respect for them, and how she handles the situation. We also see a small sub plot with Drake’s brother and the woman he loves who is Drake’s fiancee. I really had so much fun with the conflict involved here. It practically broke my heart, but it adds so much intensity to the story and builds character development. There is so much raw emotion that is put in play in this book and I loved every moment of it.

The Narration

This is a new narrator for me, and I really loved the way she narrated this book. She has such a beautiful voice and love the way she displays emotion.

The Cover

Not sure what I think of the pose here, it has a dramatic tone to it. I really love the moon and the night background.

Overall View

Bound By Night is a highly addicted paranormal romance that is sensation, riveting and powerful in its storytelling.

About Amanda Ashley

Amanda Ashley is one of those rare birds--a California native. She's lived in Southern California her whole life and, except for the earthquakes, loves it. She shares a home with her husband, as well as a fluffy Pomeranian named Lady, a wild house sparrow she raised from a baby named Tweety, and a tortoise who remains nameless. Amanda and her alter ego, Madeline Baker, have written over 70 books and short stories. Not bad for someone who started writing just for the fun of it. Her books have made the New York Times Bestseller List, the USA Today Bestseller List, and the Waldenbooks Bestseller and Mass Market lists.

Not much happening here. Same old, same old. Writing new story. Looking forward to the publication of Night's Surrender in September. I love this book and this cover.